Wednesday, April 30, 2014

The Vernon Vipers will be hosting the National Championship for a second time. The city of Vernon and Vernon Lakers hosted and won the 1990 Centennial Cup will host the 2014 Royal Bank Cup May 10-18th 2014

Here is a local add from Global Okanagan on the Vipers hosting the RBC Cup

Here is an article on former Vernon Vipers defenceman Nyjer Morgan. Morgan is in his first season with the Cleveland Indians still remembers 2011 and the 2011 National League Championship Series with the Milwaukee Brewers.

The Cleveland Indians signed Morgan to a Minor League contract on January 16th 2014. Morgan earned a roster spot with the Indians to start opening day.

Morgan returned to the Majors after playing last season in Japan where he spent the 2013-14 season with the Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) Yokohama DeNa BayStars. Morgan & the Indians open the 2014-15 MLB Spring Training season Wednesday vs the Cincinnati Reds.

Morgan signed with the BayStars on January 23rd 2013 after spending the previous two seasons with the MLB Milwaukee Brewers before electing free agency, a day after the Brewers hastened his departure by outrighting him from the 40-man roster.

Morgan was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 33rd round of the 2002 Major League Baseball Draft. On September 1st 2007 Morgan made his major league debut for the Pittsburgh Pirates against the Milwaukee Brewers as a late-season call-up. On June 30 2009 Morgan was traded to the Washington Nationals along with pitcher Sean Burnett in exchange for outfielder Lastings Milledge and pitcher Joel Hanrahan. On March 27 2011 Morgan was traded to the Milwaukee Brewers in exchange for prospect Cutter Dykstra (son of baseball player Lenny Dykstra). Morgan played for three MLB teams, Milwaukee, Pittsburgh and Washington before heading to Japan. Morgan attended the Vernon Vipers Training camp in 1996-97. Morgan played as an "AP" as a 16 year old with the Vipers during the (1996-1997) season while playing with the KIJHL North Okanagan Kings.

Nyjer Morgan is safe with the Cleveland Indians after a season in Japan.

By Todd Rosiak of the Journal Sentinel

March 26, 2014

Goodyear, Ariz. — Nyjer Morgan has been around the world and back again, and he still has nothing but love for the Milwaukee Brewers.

Having just made the Cleveland Indians roster this week, Morgan on Wednesday reacquainted himself with the team that he helped into the 2011 National League Championship Series with one of the biggest hits in franchise history.

It was his 10th-inning single off J.J. Putz that scored Carlos Gomez to beat the Arizona Diamondbacks in Game 5 of the NLDS at Miller Park, giving the Brewers their first post-season series victory in almost three decades.

Almost as big was Morgan's megawatt smile, the "Beast Mode" signal he helped make popular and his "Tony Plush" alter ego that made him one of the biggest Brewers fan favorites in recent memory.

"Just a great group of guys, a great organization," Morgan said before the Brewers' Cactus League game with the Indians at Goodyear Ballpark. "For me, it's still home. It's nothing but great memories of Milwaukee."

Acquired just before Milwaukee broke camp in 2011, Morgan first platooned in center field with Carlos Gomez before eventually taking over full time after Gomez went down with a broken left collarbone. He finished with a .304 average, four home runs and 37 runs batted in while serving as a catalyst atop a power-packed lineup.

His game-winning single against Arizona, after which he was mobbed by his Brewers teammates on the field, still stands as one of the enduring memories of his career.

"That's one of the best," he said. "That group of guys, just the fun we had that year, nothing could take that away."

Morgan was involved in his fair share of fireworks with opposing teams and fans, most notably late in the 2011 season with Chris Carpenter and the St. Louis Cardinals, but overall he was a positive clubhouse presence for manager Ron Roenicke.

"I thought his energy was great," Roenicke said. "Even though there was a couple things he got a little bit in trouble for... the guy means well in whatever he does. He's a really good teammate and he's got so much energy; he's contagious. I really like Nyjer.

"It's nice to have some characters on the team. It makes things loose, it gives you energy. There's a lot of things that happen. He played great for us that year and was a huge part of us winning."

Morgan was asked what made that 2011 team so special.

"I think it was just all the personalities in the clubhouse," he said. "It was just one of those things; you don't know if all the pieces of the puzzle are going to fit until you test it out."

Morgan got off to a slow start in 2012 and never really recovered, eventually being phased out in favor of Gomez and finishing with a .239 average, three homers and 16 RBI. He played last season in Japan and, not surprisingly, became a fan favorite over there as well.

"I can play the game still," he said. "It was just one of those things where I had a better opportunity to go out there, plus see another part of the world. That's why I took it."

He signed a minor-league deal with the Indians heading into this spring and with Michael Bourn injured, Morgan will make the Indians' 25-man roster for opening day. Now noticeably more muscled up, Morgan is hitting .205 this spring with six RBI.

Not a bad turnaround for a 33-year-old who most assumed had played his final game in the major leagues with Milwaukee.

"Honestly, I didn't even know," Morgan said of bouncing back after his year in Japan. "It wasn't even really a plan. It was kind of whatever happens, happens. Just kind of take it year by year."

With experience as a bench player that final year with the Brewers, Morgan is ready for whatever this season holds with the Indians. Roenicke, for one, credited Morgan for his professionalism in handling his diminished role down the stretch in Milwaukee in 2012.

"I'm just excited to do whatever role they want me to do on this team," Morgan said. "I'm happy with it."

Morgan is fitting in well in the Cleveland clubhouse these days, according to former Brewers teammate John Axford, now the Indians' closer.

"There's still flashes of T-Plush," he said. "He just picks his spots now."

That comes with maturity, according to Morgan.

"Just kind of tone it down now, you know what I mean? I don't want Tony Plush to take over who Nyjer Morgan is," he said. "It's just, I'm wiser now. You know when to bring him out and when to calm it down.

"But I still have the fun in me, going out there joking, yelling at guys. Basically bringing the hard work."

At some point, Morgan knows he'll be back in Milwaukee. And he's looking forward to it.

"I know 20 years from now when they bring us all back, I'll be a part of that group," he said with a smile. "A special moment. I know for sure I'll be coming back as an older 'T,' a wiser 'T.'"

Tuesday, April 29, 2014

Boston University mens hockey team held their year end awards banquet and named former Vernon Vipers defenceman the teams MVP. Noonan the Terriers captain recently signed with the Nashville Predators on April 22nd finished his fourth and final season at Boston University attended the Nashville Predators Development Camp July 9-13th. Noonan was drafted by Nashville in Round 4 #112 overall in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft. In 34 games this season Noonan collected (4-goals-16-assists-20-points). Noonan played one season in Vernon (2009-2010) collecting (2-goals-16-assists-18-points) in 58 regular season games with the Vipers.

Senior Garrett Noonan was named the team's most valuable player for the 2013-14 season.

April 19, 2014

BOSTON - Rising junior Matt Grzelcyk will serve as captain of the 2014-15 Boston University men's ice hockey team and rising seniors Cason Hohmann and Evan Rodrigues will be assistant captains, as announced by head coach David Quinn at the 51st Annual Friends of BU Hockey Banquet on Saturday evening at the George Sherman Union Ballroom.

Senior defenseman Garrett Noonan, who signed a contract with the Nashville Predators on Friday, was the recipient of this year's George V. Brown Most Valuable Player Award. Classmate and fellow co-captain Patrick MacGregor was the winner of the Friends/Albert Sidd Unsung Hero Award.

Senior goaltender Anthony Moccia was honored twice, garnering the Bennett McInnis Award for Spirit while also receiving the Regina Eilberg Scholarship for having the best grade-point average.

The Most Improved Player Award went to sophomore forward Mike Moran while senior Matt Ronan was the recipient of the Mike Boyle Terrier of Steel Award for strength and conditioning.

Robbie Baillargeon became the second freshman in as many years to win the Ed Carpenter Award, given to the team's top point-getter.

Grzelcyk was named the winner of the Clifford P. Fitzgerald Scholarship, presented annually to the top rising junior or senior defenseman.

For only the fourth time ever, the Friends of BU Hockey elected to present the Meryl Starr Herman Award. This year's recipient was The Daily Free Press for their dedicated coverage throughout each and every season.

After being swept in the BCHL Fred Page Cup Finals by the Coquitlam Express the Vernon Vipers will be making a record 10th trip to the Centennial Cup-Royal Bank Cup (1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1996, 1999, 2009, 2010, 2011 & now 2014) as the 2014 RBC Cup hosts. This is the second time the City of Vernon will be the host team of the National Championship. In 1990 the Vernon Lakers hosted and won the 1990 Centennial Cup. The Vipers have a chance at becoming the first Junior hockey team in history to win seven National Championships.

Over the next week or two leading up to the 2014 Royal Bank Cup I thought I would take a look back and go through each of the years and give a recap on all of Vernon's previous nine trip's to the National Championship starting with the Vernon Vipers sixth appearence at the 1999 Royal Bank Cup wich was hosted by the Yorkton Terriers and Yorkton, Saskatchewan.

The Vernon Vipers finished with its best season in club history. Finishing top spots in the Interior Division & #1 overall in the BCHL as the leagues best team with a record of 50-6-2 wich was good for 106 pts. The Vipers would lose their first three games before defeating Estevan in the final game of the Round Robin to advance to the semifinals. A 3-2 win over Bramalea got Vernon back into another RBC Cup final where they destroyed Charlottetown in the Cup final. Here’s a rundown on how the Vipers did through the BCHL’s Playoffs to advance to the teams record sixth National Championship & 2nd in the last four years.

Monday, April 28, 2014

The American Hockey League (AHL) Providence Bruins have released former Vernon Vipers forward Mike Collins.

Collins finished his fourth and final season at Merrimack College this season before turning pro in early March siging a Professional Try Out (PTO) contract with the Bruins on March 11th 2014. Collins went pointless in four games with the Bruins was released on March 27th 2014. No official press release from the Bruins but the transaction was posted on the transactions page on the AHL website.

Collins played two season's in Vernon (2008-2010) In 119 regular season games with the Vipers Collins recorded (55-goals-71-assists-126-points).

Thin Lizzy’s Phillip Lynott sang it best: “The boys are back in town.”

After a forgetful Fred Page Cup loss in the B.C. Hockey League final against the Coquitlam Express, the Vernon Vipers have returned from a week of relaxation.

“It felt so good to go home again,” said Liam Coughlin, a Boston native. “I haven’t been home since Christmas.”

Head coach/GM Jason Williamson and his coaching staff elected to give the team some much needed time off to charge the batteries and enjoy the holidays before the RBC Cup, May 10-18 at Kal Tire Place.

“Today (Friday) was our second practice. I skated them pretty hard last night. Today we are going to spend some time on small area skill stuff and worry about our systems later on,” said Williamson.

Fellow American Kenny Citron spent Easter in his hometown of Hartsdale, N.Y. He got the chance to take in Game 1 of the Philadelphia Flyers-New York Rangers series.

“It was so awesome. Rangers are my team; Madison Square Garden was sweet,” said Citron, overjoyed with the Rangers’ 4-1 victory.

Michael McNicholas, a Manhattan Beach, Calif. product, didn’t get the chance to head home for Easter like most of his teammates.

“I didn’t think a week was long enough to head down there. I went to Vancouver instead, saw a lot of friends, still had a great time,” said McNicholas, who spent time with former teammates from the Nanaimo Clippers.

“I had dinner with my billets from last year and attended my girlfriend’s brother’s wedding. It was a good break.”

It wasn’t just the players who had to shake off the rust, as Williamson and assistant coach Dave Robinson were out there on the Civic Arena ice in full equipment with their players Friday.

“Today was a bit of a fun day. We will see how the legs feel tomorrow,” said Williamson.

The Vipers are practising at the Civic as Kal Tire Place is prepared for the RBC Cup tournament.

Sunday, April 27, 2014

The East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) Reading Royals have released former Vernon Vipers forward Ryan Santana.

Santana finished his fourth and final year at Boston University last year before signing with the Royals on August 6th 2013. After playing in just 12 games with the Royals (going pointless) Santana was released on March 6th 2014 before being re-signed on March 9th 2014 and just three days later was released on March 12th 2014 for a second time this season. No official press release from the Royals but the transaction was posted on the transactions page on the ECHL website.

Santana played one season in Vernon (2008-2009) In 56 games with the Vipers collected (12-goals-13-assists-25-points).

After being swept in the BCHL Fred Page Cup Finals by the Coquitlam Express the Vernon Vipers will be making a record 10th trip to the Centennial Cup-Royal Bank Cup (1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1996, 1999, 2009, 2010, 2011 & now 2014) as the 2014 RBC Cup hosts. This is the second time the City of Vernon will be the host team of the National Championship. In 1990 the Vernon Lakers hosted and won the 1990 Centennial Cup. The Vipers have a chance at becoming the first Junior hockey team in history to win seven National Championships.

Over the next week or two leading up to the 2014 Royal Bank Cup I thought I would take a look back and go through each of the years and give a recap on all of Vernon's previous nine trip's to the National Championship starting with the Vernon Vipers fifth appearence at the 1996 Royal Bank Cup wich was hosted by the the Melfort Mustangs and Melfort, Saskatchewan.

After new ownership and some struggling seasons the Vernon Lakers were sold once again, Duncan Wray would change the historic Lakers name to the Vernon Vipers and in 1996 win his first Royal Bank Cup. That year the historic Centennial Cup had also changed names, now was called the Royal Bank Cup. The Vernon Vipers finished in first place in the Interior Division just two pts back of the league leading Chilliwack Cheifs. The Vipers finished the season with a record of 43-13-4 wich was good for 90 pts. The Vipers would finish 2-2 in the Round Robin before going on to win the first ever Royal Bank Cup. Here’s a rundown on how the Vipers did through out the BCJHL’s Playoffs to advance to the teams fifth National Championship winning its 3rd National title.

Saturday, April 26, 2014

Former Vernon Lakers-Vipers forward Dustin Whitecotton
played in career game #800 with the EIHL (Elite Ice Hockey League) Stena Line Belfast Giants on February 8th 2014. The Giants made the announcement in February on the teams twitter account.

Whitecotton is in his first season in the EIHL after spending the last five seasons with the DEL Straubing Tigers. The Giants are from Belfast, Northern Ireland signed Whitecotton on August 15th 2013. In 59 games this season Whitecotton picked up (18-goals-49-assists-67-points).

Whitecotton played the last five seasons with the DEL Straubing Tigers. Whitecotton is the youngest player ever to play for the Vernon Lakers & Vipers making the Lakers at the young age of 14. Whitecotton played three seasons in Vernon with the Vernon Lakers and Vernon Vipers from (1993-96). In 166 games with the Lakers and Vipers Whitecotton collected (52-102-164).

Whitecotton joins former Vernon Lakers defenceman Todd Kelman who played eight seasons with the Giants (2000-2008) before retiring becoming the Giants General Manager. Kelman is in his seventh season as Giants GM played one season in Vernon (1992-93) played in 48 games with the Lakers collecting 16-goals-30-assists-46-points). Kelman was drafted in Round 6 141st overall by the St. Louis Blues at the 1993 NHL Draft.

The American Hockey League (AHL) Providence Bruins have signed former Vernon Vipers forward Cory Kane to a PTO (player tryout) contract.

Kane finished his fourth and final season at Ferris State University. In 38 games this season Kane registered (14-goals-18-assists-32-points). Kane played two years in Vernon (2008-2010) In 119 regular season games with the Vipers Kane collected (42-goals-55-assists-97-points).

Big Rapids, Mich. - A second Ferris State University men's ice hockey skater in the past week made his professional debut as forward Cory Kane (Irvine, Calif.), who recently concluded his senior campaign by helping the Bulldogs to the NCAA Elite Eight, played for the American Hockey League's (AHL) Providence Bruins on Sunday (April 6).

Kane signed a PTO (player tryout) contract with the Boston Bruins' AHL affiliate on Friday and tallied his first professional point with an assist in Providence's 7-2 victory over the Portland Pirates at the Dunkin' Donuts Center in Providence, R.I.

The ex-Bulldog standout joined former teammate Garrett Thompson in the professional ranks after he signed an ATO contract earlier in the week and made his pro debut with the Binghamton Senators of the AHL. Thompson tallied his first professional goal as well on Sunday, the same day in which Kane played in his first pro game.

This past season, Kane had a team-high tying 32 points for the Bulldogs, who reached the regional title game this campaign only two years after advancing to the national championship game at the NCAA Frozen Four during his sophomore season. He notched a team second-most 14 goals and added 18 assists in 38 games in 2013-14 as the Bulldogs won the Western Collegiate Hockey Association's (WCHA) regular-season championship in its debut campaign.

As a collegian, Kane's play helped the Bulldogs win two conference regular-season titles, becoming only the third program ever to claim both WCHA and Central Collegiate Hockey Association (CCHA) crowns. FSU captured this year's WCHA Regular-Season title and was also the WCHA Five Five Championship runner-up this season before winning their NCAA Tournament opener and moving within a game of the Frozen Four once again.

Kane was a four-year letterwinner for the Bulldogs and finished his career with both 34 goals and 34 assists for 68 total points in 144 collegiate contests. Prior to his senior season at Ferris State, Kane participated in the summer prospect camp held by the NHL's Vancouver Canucks last summer.

This season, Kane's play helped the Bulldogs produce a 29-11-3 overall record. Ferris State's 29 total wins this season represented the second-most seasonal victories in school history and this year's five-member senior class, which included Kane, compiled the most wins (89) of any four-year class in school history.

Friday, April 25, 2014

Former Vernon Vipers forward Sahir Gill finished his rookie regular season with the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) Wheeling Nailers sixth in rookie scoring and lead the team in scoring collecting (13-goals-41-assists-54-points) Gill ended the regular season on a ten-game point streak lead the Nailers into the playoffs, leading the team with 41 assists and 54 points in just 44 games. The Nailers finished 2nd place in the Atlantic Division with a regular season record of 39-27-1-5. Gill & the Nailers have a 3-0 series lead over the South Carolina Stingrays in the opening round of the ECHL playoffs.

Gill was suppose to enter his fourth and final season with Boston University this season but left school signing with the Nailers early in the season. Gill played parts of two seasons in Vernon (2008-2010). Gill left the Vipers in July of 2009 for the USHL Chicago Steel but after just 26 games would return to Vernon in mid January of 2010. In 71 regular season games with the Vipers Gill recorded (21-goals-30-assists-42-points).

After being swept in the BCHL Fred Page Cup Finals by the Coquitlam Express the Vernon Vipers will be making a record 10th trip to the Centennial Cup-Royal Bank Cup (1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1996, 1999, 2009, 2010, 2011 & now 2014) as the 2014 RBC Cup hosts. This is the second time the City of Vernon will be the host team of the National Championship. In 1990 the Vernon Lakers hosted and won the 1990 Centennial Cup. The Vipers have a chance at becoming the first Junior hockey team in history to win seven National Championships.

Over the next week or two leading up to the 2014 Royal Bank Cup I thought I would take a look back and go through each of the years and give a recap on all of Vernon's previous nine trip's to the National Championship starting with the Vernon Lakers record fourth straight appearence at the 1992 Centennial Cup wich was hosted by the St. James Canadians and Winnipeg, Manitoba.

The Vernon Lakers finished in fourth place in the Interior Division with a record of 34-23-3 was good for 71 pts. The Lakers fell short of becoming the first team in history to win three straight National Championships. Vernon was the top team during the round robin with a 3-1 record but lost to Winkler in the semi-finals. Here’s a rundown on how the Lakers did through out the BCJHL’s Playoffs to advance to the teams record fourth straight Centennial Cup.

Kelowna International Airport’s selfie campaign is gaining momentum as hockey fans and travellers passing through the airport are attracted to the novelty of taking a self portrait next to the large RBC Cup champion’s photo on the arrivals floor.

“We invite photo takers to post their shots on Instagram while naming the Kelowna International Airport and using the hashtag #YLWRBCCup,” said Jenelle Hynes, YLW marketing manager.

YLW is a primary sponsor of the RBC Cup, which is being held in Vernon from May 10 to 18. The event will attract the country’s top junior A hockey teams.

Photos must be posted before 10 p.m. May 6 and the winner’s photo will be randomly drawn May 7.

The winner will receive a full tournament pass for all 13 games of the RBC Cup.

Those who pop in to take a selfie can get free parking for 15 minutes in YLW’s short-term lot.

The Nashville Predators have signed former Vernon Vipers
defenceman Garrett Noonan to an Entry-Level Deal.

Noonan was drafted by Nashville in Round 4 #112 overall in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft. Noonan finished his fourth and final season at Boston University attended the Nashville Predators Development Camp July 9-13th . In 34 games this season Noonan collected (4-goals-16-assists-20-points). Noonan played one season in Vernon (2009-2010) collecting (2-goals-16-assists-18-points) in 58 regular season games with the Vipers.

Nashville, Tenn. – Nashville Predators President of Hockey Operations/General Manager David Poile announced today that the club has signed defenseman Garrett Noonan to a two-year entry-level contract.

Noonan, 23 (1/28/91), spent the past four seasons at Boston University, amassing 81 points (30g-51a) and 271 penalty minutes in 145 games. On Saturday, the Norfolk, Mass., native was named the Terriers’ most valuable player for the 2013-14 season; he served as team captain and tied for ninth among Hockey East defensemen in points (4g-16a-20pts) as a senior, his third consecutive season ranking among the conference’s Top 10 blueliners in the category. The 6-1, 205-pounder also tied for first in the nation among defensemen in goals (16) and power-play goals (8) during his sophomore season at BU in 2011-12, en route to Second-Team Hockey East All-Star honors.

Former Vernon Vipers forward Brandon Marino has been
named to the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) 2013-14 All-ECHL First Team.

Marino is in his second season with the ECHL Fort Wayne Komets after signing with the Komets on July, 17th 2012. In 72 games this season Marino collected (30-goals-58-assists-88-points). Marino finished as the ECHL's regular season leading scorer with 88 points.

Marino spent the past three seasons with the Central Hockey League (CHL) Quad City Mallards before signing with the Komets. Marino was named the 2011-12 Central Hockey League Most Valuable Player, as well as took home MVP at the 2012 CHL all-star game. Marino had a breakout season which he led the league with 41 goals and finished second with 90 points. The 5’ 9”, 185-pound Riverside, California native also led the league in power play goals (13), ranked fourth in assists (49) and finished tied for fourth in shorthanded goals (3) and game winning goals (7) while also posting a plus/minus rating of +9. Marino played just two games with the 2002-2003 Vernon Vipers.

Fort Wayne, IN --- The ECHL announced Thursday that Komet right winger Brandon Marino has been named to the 2013-14 All-ECHL First Team.

Marino, 27, leads the ECHL with 57 assists (career-year high) and 86 points and is tied for second with 29 goals. Marino ranks third in the league with 21 power play points (7 goals, 14 assists) and leads the Komets with six game winning markers while appearing in all 70 games to date.

The fifth-year pro is skating his second season with the Komets after leading Fort Wayne with 74 points last year and named Fort Wayne's Most Valuable Player of Year for 2012-13. Marino has reached career milestones this season of 100 goals, 200 assists, 300 points and 300 games.

Marino is one of three Eastern Conference players to be named to this year's All-ECHL First Team as selected by ECHL coaches, public relations directors, broadcasters and media members.

Komets to finish regular season slate with home double-header weekend-- The Komets have two games remaining on the 2013-14 schedule, both at home this weekend. Friday the Komets face the IceMen from Evansville at 8pm. Saturday the Toledo Walleye will visit for the season finale at 7:30pm. Komet End of Season Player Awards will be presented at the conclusion of the game.

Hottest Ticket In Town-- Komet tickets are on sale at the Coliseum Ticket Office and online at www.ticketmaster.com. For ticket information on 2014-15 season tickets and special savings on Komet Group Ticket packages, visit www.komets.com or call the Komet office at 260-483-0011.

Wednesday, April 23, 2014

Former Vernon Vipers goaltender Michael Stiliadis and former Vernon Vipers forward Mitch Van Teeling lost 5-1 last week (Tuesday) to the Winnipeg South Blues who advanced to the Western Canada Cup after winning the Turnbull trophy as MJHL Champions taking the series 4-1. Van Teeling & Stiliadis also advanced to the Western Canada Cup as the host team (Dauphin Kings) who are this years Western Canada Cup Hosts.

Van Teeling started last season with the MJHL Virden Oil Capitals before being traded to Vernon on September, 4th 2012 for Brendan Persley and Future Considerations. The Vipers then traded Van Teeling to Dauphin on December, 1st 2012 for Future Considerations. In 25 games with the Vipers Van Teeling collected (2-goals-3-assists-5-points). In 13 games this season with the Kings Van Teeling collected (5-goals-3-assists-8-points).

Stiliadis in his first season with the Kings was traded to Vernon from the Ontario Junior Hockey League (OJHL) Georgetown Raiders for future considerations on October, 10th 2013 before being sent to Dauphin on November, 13th 2013 for future considerations. In 3 games with the Vipers this season Stiliadis went 1-2 with a 2.87 GAA

The Blues captured the prestigious Turnbull Trophy Tuesday night with a 5-1 win over Dauphin Kings. Before a mad house crowd of more than 1,100 at Winnipeg’s MTS Iceplex, the Blues jumped out to a 2-0 lead after 20 minutes and never looked back.

After two periods the Blues had padded their lead to 4-1 and the countdown to a championship began in earnest for the pro-Winnipeg audience. The last time the Blues captured the Turnbull was back in 2006.

One of the happiest people in the rink had to be Blues’ GM/Head Coach Don MacGillivrary, who captured his second MJHL title. His first coming in 2005 with Portage.

"It was special to win at home," he said. "I was nice for our players to win a championship in front of their friends and family. It will be something they'll remember for a very long time. Winning a championship is always a great feeling.

"I thought we were a bit nervous early in the game. But as we scored a few, I could see the guys were playing the game we had talked about. Get pucks deep. Good line changes."

MacGillivrary admitted he was clock watching with about five minutes remaining. "We were up three goals, I knew our goaltender (Spriggs) wasn't going to let in three goals. But, I was focused on the next shift and who I was going to put out on the ice. But, in the last minute I admit it was great to see all the guys smiling, knowing they had won the MJHL championship."

Known as Donnie Mac, the highly respected coach has now coached more than 100 career playoff wins. And he's looking for more. Blues will have a few days off to enjoy the championship, but hit the ice later this week to prepare for the Crescent Point Energy Western Canada Cup later this month in Dauphin.

For the Blues, the playoffs have been a ride of Cinderella proportions. The club actually had to win a Survivor Series against to Winkler to even qualify to play the first-place Selkirk Steelers. Just as they did against Selkirk and then Steinbach, Blues won the best-of-seven series against Dauphin in five games.

The Blues now advance to the Crescent Point Energy Western Canada Cup in Dauphin later this month. The Kings will be participating as the host club.

It was déjà vu for the Kings, who were also runners-up last year to the Steinbach Pistons.

Blues were led offensively by Kamerin Nault, who scored a pair, his second coming on the powerplay. Clay Tait, Warren Calis (shorthanded) and Mitch Hansen rounding out the scoring.

Kings’ veteran Brent Wold scored his last ever MJHL goal, ending what has been an outstanding Junior A career. He had previously won two Turnbull Trophies with Portage.

After being swept in the BCHL Fred Page Cup Finals by the Coquitlam Express the Vernon Vipers will be making a record 10th trip to the Centennial Cup-Royal Bank Cup (1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1996, 1999, 2009, 2010, 2011 & now 2014) as the 2014 RBC Cup hosts. This is the second time the City of Vernon will be the host team of the National Championship. In 1990 the Vernon Lakers hosted and won the 1990 Centennial Cup. The Vipers have a chance at becoming the first Junior hockey team in history to win seven National Championships.

Over the next week or two leading up to the 2014 Royal Bank Cup I thought I would take a look back and go through each of the years and give a recap on all of Vernon's previous nine trip's to the National Championship starting with the Vernon Lakers third straight appearence at the 1991 Centennial Cup wich was hosted by the Sudbury Cubs and Sudbury, Ontario.

The Vernon Lakers finished third place in the Interior Division with a record of 37-20-3 good for 77 pts just 4 pts shy of the first place Chilliwack Cheifs. With just four returning players from the 1990 Centennial Cup winning team the Lakers would advance to their third straight Centennial Cup. Vernon would finish 2-2 in the round robin before winning back to back Centennial Cups. Here’s a rundown on how the Lakers did through out the BCJHL’s Playoffs to advance to the teams third straight Centennial Cup.

Tuesday, April 22, 2014

The American Hockey League (AHL) Iowa Wild have released
former Vernon Vipers forward-captain Mike Ullrich. The Wild signed Ullrich on January 17th 2014 to a professional tryout agreement (PTO) before being released on March 14th 2014. In 9 games with the Wild Ullrich picked up (0-goals-2-assists-2-points). No official press release from the Wild but the transaction was posted on the transactions page on the AHL website. Ullrich will return to the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) Orlando Solar Bears.

Ullrich is in his first season with the Solar Bears. Ullrich was invited to a pro tryout with the American Hockey League (AHL) St. John's IceCaps in September before being released on September 30th 2013 returning to Orlando & then signed a professional tryout agreement with the American Hockey League (AHL) Manchester Monarchs on November 15th 2013 before being released after playing in three games.

Ullrich played for three different teams last season (South Carolina, Tulsa & Trenton) before signing with the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) Orlando Solar Bears on July, 1st 2013.

Ullrich become an unrestricted free agent over the off season after the ownership group of the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) Trenton Titans pulled the franchise out of the ECHL. According to a statement from the ECHL, all Titans players signed to ECHL contracts, except those owed as future considerations, are unrestricted free agents.

Ullrich started last season with the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) South Carolina Stingrays after signing a contract over the summer. Ullrich left the Stingrays before signing with the Central Hockey League (CHL) Tulsa Oilers on November, 7th 2012. The Stingrays suspended Ullrich after leaving the club but then took Ullrich off suspension before trading the rights of Ullrich to the ECHL Trenton Titans for future considerations on January, 18th 2013. In five games with the Stingrays Ullrich collected 1 goal & 4 assists. The Oilers then suspended and then deleted Ullrich from the clubs roster on January, 17th 2013 after Ullrich left the Oilers for the ECHL Trenton Titans. In 29 games with the Oilers Ullrich collected (7-12-19). In 26 games last year with Trenton Ullrich collected (15-14-29).

Ullrich played parts of two years in Vernon (2005-2007) Ullrich left the Vipers during the 2005-06 season before returning to Vernon the following season after a short stint with the WHL Lethbridge Hurricanes. In 103 games with the Vipers Ullrich collected (39-92-131).

The East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) Gwinnett Gladiators have released former Vernon Vipers forward Brian Elser.

Elser was released on February 23rd 2014 No official press release from the Gladiators but the transaction was posted on the transactions page on the ECHL website. In 16 games with Gwinnett Elser collected just one assist. Elser signed with the Gladiators on December 19th 2013 is now eligible for waivers and can be claimed off waivers by another ECHL team.

Elser started the season with the Southern Professional Hockey League (SPHL) Mississippi Surge signing on November 1st 2013 playing in just six games collecting (1-goal-3-assists-4-points) before being waived on November 22nd 2013.

Elser joined his second team this year after signing with the Southern Professional Hockey League (SPHL) Huntsville Havoc on December 5th 2013. In five games with the Havoc Elser recorded (1-goal-4-assists-5-points) before joining the Gladiators. Elser has now played with three teams this season and sixth team in the last two years.

Elser played with four teams last season. Started the 2012-13 season with the Southern Professional League's (SPHL) Fayetteville FireAntz playing in 22 games collecting (9-8-17) before being waived on March 5th 2013. While playing with the FireAntz Elser was called up to the East Coast Hockey League's (ECHL) Gwinnett Gladiators signing a one game contract on January, 15th 2013 before returning to Fayetteville after playing just one game. Elser then signed with the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) South Carolina Stingrays on February, 6th 2013 before being released on February, 27th 2013. In seven games with the Stingrays Elser collected (1-1-2). Elser then signed with the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) Elmira Jackals on March 6th 2013 before being released on March 22nd 2013. In four games with the Jackals Elser had just one assist.

The Vipers scouted Elser who was 18 at the time, at the U.S. Midget championships in Buffalo. Elser attended the 2008-2009 Vipers training camp making the Vipers opening day roster before being traded on September, 12th 2008 to the AJHL Drayton Valley Thunder for future considerations (cash) and a player to be named next year. In two games with the Vipers Elser collected one assist. Rumor was Elser didnt report to the Thunder and his rights were given back to Vernon. On August, 7th 2009 the Vipers traded Elser and future considerations to Victoria for Jonathan Milhouse.

Monday, April 21, 2014

Former Vernon Vipers forward Riley Hunt and the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL) Yorkton Terriers have advanced to the Western Canada Cup after a 4-0 win over Melville Wednesday to win the series in four games winning the SJHL Canalta Cup.

Hunt was recruited by the Vipers played parts of two seasons in Vernon (2010-2012) before being traded to Salmon Arm on September 25th 2012 for future considerations. In 53 games with the Vipers Hunt collected (1-goal-5-assists-6-points).

Due to an injury Hunt never played his first season with the Silverbacks played in just 18 games this season (2013-14) before being sent down to the KIJHL on December 2nd 2013 Hunt played with the Summerland Steam was an "AP" with the SilverBacks during the season before the Terriers signed Hunt on January 9th 2014 where in 10 games this season collected (4-goals-6-assists-10-points). In 18 games with Salmon Arm this season Hunt picked up just two assists. In 12 games with the Steam Hunt collected (5-goals-8-assists-13-points).

For a second straight season, and fourth in the last ten years, the Yorkton Terriers are SJHL Canalta Cup Champions.

The Terriers finished off a series sweep of the Melville Millionaires with a 4-0 decision on Wednesday night to take the crown.

It was a scoreless tie late in the second period until Kailum Gervais was sprung on a breakaway for the Terriers, and Melville goalie Isaiah Plett stumbled, Gervais opened the scoring, and Plett left the game. Dylan Baer scored shortly after to make it 2-0 Terriers through two periods. Tyler Giebel and Brett Boehm put it out of reach in the third.

Kale Thomson made 22 saves for the shutout, and gave up just three goals in four games during the final, finishing the series with a 4-0 record, 0.68 GAA, and a saver percentage of .972%, to go along with the shutout in Game 4.

The Terriers advance to the Western Canada Cup in Dauphin, MB, starting April 26th. They'll face the MJHL Champion Winnipeg Blues that afternoon to kick off the event. The top two finishers in Dauphin move on to the RBC Cup in Vernon, BC.

After being swept in the BCHL Fred Page Cup Finals by the Coquitlam Express the Vernon Vipers will be making a record 10th trip to the Centennial Cup-Royal Bank Cup (1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1996, 1999, 2009, 2010, 2011 & now 2014) as the 2014 RBC Cup hosts. This is the second time the City of Vernon will be the host team of the National Championship. In 1990 the Vernon Lakers hosted and won the 1990 Centennial Cup. The Vipers have a chance at becoming the first Junior hockey team in history to win seven National Championships.

Over the next week or two leading up to the 2014 Royal Bank Cup I thought I would take a look back and go through each of the years and give a recap on all of Vernon's previous nine trip's to the National Championship starting with the Vernon Lakers second straight appearance at the 1990 Centennial Cup wich was hosted by the Vernon Lakers and the city of Vernon, British Columbia.

The Vernon Lakers were this years host for the 1990 Centennial Cup. Vernon finished first place in the Interior Division with a record of 33-20-5 good for 71 pts The Lakers finished #3 overall in the BCJHL standings. The Lakers were elinianted in the BCJHL League Finals in six games by New Westmister but advanced to the Centennial Cup as the host team. Vernon would finish 3-1 in round robin play before winning their first of six National Championships with a come from behind overtime win over New West in the Centennial Cup Final. Here’s a rundown on how the Lakers did through out the BCJHL’s Playoffs to advance to the teams second straight Centennial Cup.

Preliminary Roundrobin Series:

Vernon finished off with a record of 5-2.

BCJHL League Finals: New Westminster defeated Vernon 4-2

Vernon would advance to its second straight Centennial Cup as the host team.

The Centennial Cup 1990 is the Tier II Junior "A" 1990 ice hockey National Championship for the Canadian Junior A Hockey League.

The Centennial Cup was competed for by the winners of the Doyle Cup, Anavet Cup, Dudley Hewitt Cup, the Callaghan Cup, and a host city.

The tournament was hosted by the Vernon Lakers and Vernon, British Columbia.

Sunday, April 20, 2014

Former Vernon Vipers defenceman Geoff Crisfield and the
Alerbta Junior Hockey League (AJHL) Spruce Grove Saints have advanced to the Western Canada Cup after defeating the Drumheller Dragons 2-1 in overtime Wednesday to sweep the series winning the AJHL Gas Drive Cup.

Crisfield played the last two years in Vernon (2011-2013) before being traded to Spruce Grove on June 1st 2013 for future considerations. In 51 games last season with the Vipers Crisfield collected (1-2-3). In 38 games with the Saints this season Crisfield picked up (2-goals-6-assists-8-points).

For the 3rd time in the past 5 years, the Spruce Grove Saints can claim they are the best team in the AJHL.

Jake Mykitiuk broke a tied game (1 - 1) and scored the winner in OT on a breakaway goaing 5 hole on Drumheller Dragons tender Devin Buffalo. Buffalo who played a nearly flawless game, made sensation save after save to give the Dragons a chance to win, and was the Drumheller, Star of the Game.

For the Saints, many players stepped up throughout the playoffs and played what could be their best hockey of the season to this point. In the end though, the Playoff MVP trophy was presented by AJHL League Comissioner Ryan Bartoshyk to Saints captain Corey Chorneyko. Chorneyko, who early this season was a finalist for Defensemen of the Year, showed throught out the AJHL playoffs why he is a elite level player.

The Saints now have a couple days rest before they make the journey to Dauphin Manitoba for the Cresent Point Energy - Western Canada Cup, April 25th - May 4th

Former Vernon Vipers goaltender Michael Stiliadis was named
the Manitoba Junior Hockey League (MJHL) Player of the Month for the Month of March.

The Vipers aquired Stiliadis from the Ontario Junior Hockey League (OJHL) Georgetown Raiders for future considerations on October, 10th 2013 before trading the backup goaltender to the MJHL Dauphin Kings on November, 13th 2013 for future considerations. In 3 games with the Vipers this season Stiliadis went 1-2 with a 2.87 GAA

March. For some people, March signifies the change of seasons from Winter to Spring. (Still waiting) For people south of the border it means the start of the NCAA Basketball “March Madness”. But chances are if you’re reading this, March to you means Junior Hockey Playoffs.

Playoff time for hockey players is pressure time. For 2 Kings Players, their efforts in the first 2 rounds of the MJHL Playoffs have not gone unnoticed.

Dylan Butler is the MJHL “RBC Player of the Month” for March. His 6 goals and 5 assists lead the Kings in post season scoring. The 20 year old from Thunder Bay, ON has been good all season for the Kings, but has elevated his game in the first 2 rounds of playoffs.

“This is the time of year these types of players excel.” Stated Kings HC/GM, Marlin Murray. “We knew when we traded for Dylan, he was a big game player. With the added attention the playoffs bring, Butsy has found another gear and really lead the way for us.”

Michael Stiliadis is the “MGEU Goaltender of the Month” for March. Stiliadis posted some pretty remarkable numbers as the Kings won the Sher-Wood Division. Stiliadis went 8-0 with an even 1.00 GAA and a .952 SV%. Not to be forgotten, Stiliadis recorded 4 shutouts in the Kings 4 game sweep of the OCN Blizzard in round one.

“I’d say this is a no brainer.” Said Kings AC Marc Berry, “I’ve never heard of a team shutting out another in 4 straight games. I know it was a complete team effort and there was some luck involved, but you have to give Stilly his dues. He’s been excellent all playoffs.”

The Kings will be looking to both of these 2 players as they move on to the Turnbull Cup Final vs the Winnipeg Blues. The final round will kick off Sunday, April 6th in Winnipeg at the Ice Plex

Saturday, April 19, 2014

The Southern Professional Hockey League (SPHL) Pensacola
Ice Flyers have signed former Vernon Vipers defenceman Malcolm Lyles. No official press release by the Ice Flyers but the transaction is posted on the SPHL website under transactions and posted on the Ice Flyers facebook page.

Lyles started this season with the Federal Hockey League (FHL) Danville Dashers before joining the Ice Flyers. In 16 games with the Dashers Lyles picked up (3-goals-13-assists-16-points). In 31 games this season with Pensacola Lyles has (7-goals-7-assists-14-points).

Lyles left Boston College after two seasons played one season in Vernon (2010-2011) playing in 54 games with the Vipers collecting (8-goals-22-assists-30-points) before finishing his schooling (2011-2013) at UMass-Lowell University.

After being swept in the BCHL Fred Page Cup Finals by the Coquitlam Express the Vernon Vipers will be making a record 10th trip to the Centennial Cup-Royal Bank Cup (1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1996, 1999, 2009, 2010, 2011 & now 2014) as the 2014 RBC Cup hosts. This is the second time the City of Vernon will be hosts of the National Championship. In 1990 the Vernon Lakers hosted and won the Centennial Cup. The Vipers have a chance at becoming the first Junior hockey team in history to win seven National Championships.

Over the next week or two leading up to the 2014 Royal Bank Cup I thought I would take a look back and go through each of the years and give a recap on all of Vernon's previous nine trip's to the National Championship starting with the Vernon Lakers first of four straight appearences at the Centennial Cup (1989-1992). The first starting at the 1989 Centennial Cup wich was hosted by the Summerside Western Capitals in the city of Summerside, Prince Edward Island.

The Vernon Lakers finished first place in the Interior Division with a record of 40-19-1 good for 81 pts The Lakers finished #2 overall 10 pts behind the #1 ranked New Westminster Royals who collected 91 pts. The Lakers would finish last in the round robin at 0-3 at the 1989 Centennial Cup. Here’s a rundown on how the Lakers did through out the BCJHL’s Playoffs to advance to the teams first ever Centennial Cup.

Head coach/GM Jason Williamson will hide some Easter eggs for his young daughter and visit with in-laws in between checking out the Stanley Cup playoffs on TV.

Captain Ryan Renz will spend Easter with family in the Kootenays, while his teammates will also be home with their loved ones for the holiday.

The Vernon Vipers will digest turkey, ham, chocolate and a crushing loss to the Coquitlam Express in the B.C. Hockey League Fred Page Cup series and then it’s back to the drawing board in preparation for the Royal Bank, May 10-18, at Kal Tire Place. The Vipers open on the Saturday night versus the Eastern representatives.

The Snakes have three weeks to prepare and retool for Canada’s junior hockey title. They held a meeting Wednesday afternoon to determine the plan of attack for their down time.

“It was brief, I decided to give them about a week off. We will start practising again mid-week,” said Williamson.

Said Renz, who will be in Castlegar: “My grandma normally prepares a pretty good meal on Easter, so I’m looking forward to that.”

The Vipers – the first Vernon team to be swept in the finals, in 19 tries – will have a 15-day window to prepare for the RBC Cup following their break. The Vipers have been given a mulligan with an automatic host bid into the RBC Cup.

“We will refine every aspect and make sure our cardio is good to go. We are also bringing in affiliated players for some scrimmages,” said Williamson.

The Vipers plan on keeping an eye on the Crescent Point Energy Western Canada Cup, April 25-May 4, in Dauphin, Man. Williamson might head out for some scouting while Renz is curious to see how Coquitlam fares.

The Western Cup teams were finalized once the Yorkton Terriers swept the Melville Millionaires with a 4-0 win Wednesday night in the Saskatchewan final.

The Spruce Grove Saints won the AJHL Gas Drive Cup Champions by slaying the Drumheller Dragons 2-1 in overtime Tuesday night to sweep the final series and advance to the Westerns.

Spruce Grove topped the Alberta league at 47-10-3, while the Dragons were third in their division, at 35-20-3.

The Winnipeg Blues will represent Manitoba after taking out the Dauphin Kings in five games. Winnipeg was fourth in their division with 31 wins, while the Kings took their division with 40 wins.

The sweep of the Snakes still stings the team days after the Game 4 loss.

“It’s difficult right now; our goal all along was to win the league,” said Williamson.

The Express won 4-3 Tuesday night at the Poirier Sports and Leisure Centre. Coquitlam captured their first Fred Page Cup since moving from Burnaby in 2010, earning the right to represent the BCHL in Dauphin.

“Three one-goal losses in a row makes it really tough to swallow,” said Williamson.

Coquitlam head coach Barry Wolff noted his crew got a few more bounces in the series. He gave his players the green light to celebrate.

“I’m going to let them enjoy this one. It is something special; a lot of our guys won’t get to experience that again. I’ll give them a few days off to enjoy it before we get back into it. I’m not really going to change anything too much before we head off to Westerns.”

Williamson, a former Viper captain, was part of the Vernon coaching staff for three straight Fred Page Cup victories, over the Powell River Kings, from 2009-11.

Jace Hennig got the night started for the Express in front of 1,500 fans. The lone goal of the first came 3:19 in from Cody Boyd.

“I think we came out a little nervous,” said Renz. “Some guys looked nervous to make a bad play. It took a few good shifts to get going.”

It was the Colton Sparrow and Brendan Persley show Tuesday night as their line – including Brett Mulcahy – tried to single-handedly carry the Vipers to Game 5.

“We felt like we have had a slow series matched up against their top line. We played with desperation and a strong work ethic last night but it just didn’t happen,” said Sparrow, one day after the defeat.

Sparrow tied the game 42 seconds into the second, from Mulcahy and Persley.

Coquitlam’s top players were their top players all series. The Pieper brothers combed for seven goals and three assists. Canon is a year and two days older than Bo.

Canon Pieper put the Express up 2-1 with his seventh of the playoffs, from brother Bo and Mark Whiteley, 7:15 into the second. Canon Pieper said the Express wanted to avoid going back to Vernon for Game 5.

“We wanted to close it out at home,” said the Minnesota product. “I didn’t imagine it would go like that. It was a very tight series. We came from behind in every game.”

The Express struggled to maintain their composure for the remainder of the second period and Pieper said the team was able to regroup during the second intermission.

“We just talked about simplifying things and getting back to what made us successful,” he said. “I think in doing that it helped everybody relax a little bit.”

The Express struggled to maintain their composure for the remainder of the second period and Pieper said the team was able to regroup during the second intermission.

“We just talked about simplifying things and getting back to what made us successful,” he said. “I think in doing that, it helped everybody relax a little bit.”

Persley scored back-to-back goals, eight-minutes apart in the second half of the second period.

On the first one, Persley cut back to the middle of the ice and roofed it glove side over Gordie Defiel. Persley’s second goal was of the Ryan Smyth variety. He bared down in front of the net and banged it in. Sparrow assisted on both goals, giving him and Persley three points each.

The Vipers couldn’t close a door this series. They had the lead in the third period each game.

Tuesday night’s third-period margin was short lived as Bo Pieper tied it 1:43 into the third, from Joey Santucci. The Vipers headed to the powerplay with 6:26 to play (Marc Biega off for hooking).

The same league-worst powerplay that saved the day in Game 7 last series in Penticton looked to work its second miracle. On Tuesday, the Viper gods of Connor and Kellen Jones, Lanny Gare and Lennie Rampone, however, couldn’t help out their alumni mates.

D-man Riley Guenther, just returning from injured reserve, lost the puck on his own blueline, on the power play, giving Adam Rockwood a chance to take the lead on a breakaway. Rockwood, the Game 2 hero, punched his team’s ticket to Dauphin with four minutes and change left.

Sparrow appeared to tie it with seconds to play, but the goal was waived off due to a hand pass.

Viper grad Cole Ikkala and the Union College Dutchmen won its first NCAA hockey title Saturday night, scoring three times in a 1:54 span in the first period in a 7-4 victory over Minnesota on Saturday night in Ikkala’s home town of Philadelphia. Ikkala, 23, supplied seven goals and 19 points in four years.

Union, a tiny New York State school of 2,200 students, won its final 12 games and went 16-0-1 in its last 17. Daniel Ciampini scored three goals in the Dutchmen’s 5-4 victory over Boston College Eagles in the semifinals Thursday night. Mat Bodie (Powell River Kings) was the Union captain.

Wrote Ikkala, on Facebook: “I couldn’t have scripted a better ending to my hockey career. Going out on top. Thanks to all the friends, family, and that jungle of fan section that made it to the game. It’s been the best four years of my life playing here.”

Dallas Calvin, a Viper affiliate who could be used in the RBC, supplied 2+2 as the Beaver Valley Nite Hawks stopped the Aldergrove Kodiaks 5-2 in the Cyclone Taylor Cup (provincial Junior B) final Sunday before 730 fans in Nelson.

Beaver Valley opened the Western Keystone Cup Thursday night in Abbotsford with games against the host Pilots and the Saskatoon Quakers.

Vernon’s Cole Sanford scored an empty-netter and set up two goals by linemate Trevor Cox as the host Medicine Hat Tigers grounded the Kootenay Ice 4-1 Wednesday night before 4,000 fans.

The Tigers won the final three games of the WHL Eastern Conference series and will now meet Vernon’s Curtis Lazar and the Edmonton Oil Kings in the finals, starting tonight at Rexall Place.

Sanford has eight goals and 19 points in 13 playoff games, while Lazar has 3-8-11 in nine games.

1990 & 1991 Vernon Lakers Inducted Into Okanagan Sports Hall Of Fame

The 1969-70 & 1971-72 Vernon Essos were inducted into the Okanagan Sports Hall of Fame in November 2014

1999 Vernon Vipers Inducted Into BC Hockey Hall Of Fame

The 1999 Vernon Vipers were inducted into the BC Hockey Hall of Fame In July 2016

On December 2nd 2017 the Vernon Vipers honoured the 1956 Vernon Canadians and former Vernon Esso's legend Wayne Dye. The 1956 Vernon Canadians Allen Cup banner along side Wayne Dye's #8 Legends banner were raised to the rafters at Kal Tire Place

Kal Tire Place-Home to the Okanagan Sports Hall of Fame

The Okanagan Sports Hall of Fame was established in 1982 through the vision of Vernon resident and sports enthusiast, Nick Alexis. With the support of Vernon City Council, Alexis and a dedicated group of volunteers created a series of outdoor exhibits celebrating the region’s dynamic sporting history in Vernon’s Cenotaph Park. That same year, the new organization unveiled its first round of inductees to the Hall of Fame. Several years later, in 2001, the Hall of Fame moved its exhibits into the newly constructed Vernon Multiplex now known as Kal Tire Place.

About Me

I first created this blog in November of 2008. This coming season will be my ninth season doing this blog. I was born and raised in Vernon, BC and have been going to Junior Hockey games in Vernon since I was a young child. I purchased my first set of season tickets in 1990
I have had season tickets for the last 26 years, Since 1990 I have missed 42 home games.
In September of 2009 I missed my first home game since 2002-03 wich my streak of 236 straight Vipers home games came to an end. Ive missed just three Vipers home games since the 1998-1999 season.
I worked with the Vipers back in 2003-04 as colour comentator helping out with a few games over the internet. In 2011 I helped deisgn, create and put together the Vipers new website for the 2011-12 season. I ran and updated the Vipers website for five seasons, keeping all staff bios and pictures updated, adding new game photos, doing a game preview on game days, as well as adding any Vipers news, scores or BCHL news through out the season.
Over the years I have travelled to Victoria, Dauphin & Camrose to watch the Vipers in the RBC Cup. I was also at the 1990 Centennial Cup & 2014 RBC Cup in Vernon.